Apparatus for personalized gaming environment

ABSTRACT

A personalized gaming system that provides and enclosed gaming environment for a user. The gaming environment may include an enclosure made from wood, fiberglass or other suitable material and provide space for many common accessories in a convenient and ergonomic manner. Thus, a user may be seated in a heated reclining chair with adjustable foot rests and have a maneuverable keyboard and mouse platform to be placed in a comfortable position for the user. Further, lighting, sound, and climate control features allow a user to personalize many other factors of the gaming experience. Further yet, additional amenities allow for a user to have comforts not typically associated with a gaming environment, such as a beverage cooler and dispenser and extrinsic storage features. With the addition of each feature, a more complete environment for improving the gaming experience is realized.

BACKGROUND

Video games and the video gaming industry have gained in popularity in recent years. Further, the appeal and commercial success of the video gaming industry is evident across many demographics and generations. As a result, computers and gaming consoles are becoming more and more specialized in an effort have enough computing power to handle intensive graphics requirements as well as online throughput. Further yet, many different kinds of gaming accessories are available in an effort to improve the gaming experience for users. Often times, a user may then set up a gaming area of a home that includes a number of different gaming accessories and gaming-focused amenities.

However, adding accessory after accessory to an area of a home tends to make the area of the home cluttered and unusable for other purposes. Additionally, external aspects of a home may impede the gaming experience. Thus, the user's gaming experience may be diluted or interrupted by ambient light, extrinsic sounds such as telephones and doorbells, and other people that happen by. In an industry that attempts to minimize extrinsic factors in a gaming experience, some negative aspects of a conventional gaming environment cannot be addressed with simple accessories.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claims will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric diagram of a personalized gaming environment with a cutaway to show the interior of the environment according to an embodiment of the subject matter discussed herein.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric diagram of a personalized gaming environment without a cutaway to show exterior features of the environment according to an embodiment of the subject matter discussed herein.

FIG. 3 shows block diagram of a computing environment and/or control features of a gaming environment according to an embodiment of the subject matter discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter disclosed herein. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those detailed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present detailed description. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed or suggested herein.

By way of overview, the subject matter disclosed herein may be directed to a personalized gaming system that provides and enclosed gaming environment for a user. The gaming environment may comprise an enclosure made from wood, fiberglass or other suitable material and provide space for many common accessories in a convenient and ergonomic manner. Thus, a user may be seated in a heated reclining chair with adjustable foot rests and have a maneuverable keyboard and mouse platform to be placed in a comfortable position for the user. Further, lighting, sound, and climate control features allow a user to personalize many other factors of the gaming experience. Further yet, additional amenities allow for a user to have comforts not typically associated with a gaming environment, such as a beverage cooler and dispenser and extrinsic storage features. With the addition of each feature, a more complete environment for improving the gaming experience is realized. These and other features are discussed in greater detail below with respect to the FIGs.

FIG. 1 shows an isometric diagram of a personalized gaming environment 100 with a cutaway to show the interior of the environment according to an embodiment of the subject matter discussed herein. In FIG. 1, the gaming environment 100 in this embodiment is shown as a standalone box-like structure having a door (the door is not shown because of the cutaway—see below with respect to FIG. 2) for ingress and egress as well as an interior seat 130 for a user. The seat 130 may be designed to provide a comfortable seating position for a user to utilize a gaming system such as a personal computer or gaming console such that several other amenities and accessories are situated in the gaming environment 100 for the benefit of a seated user. Additional details about the seat 130 and other amenities and accessories are described throughout the remainder of this detailed description.

The gaming environment may include and overall exterior shell referred to, hereinafter, as the enclosure 101. The enclosure 101 may be made from several different kinds of materials. The material may be wood, fiberglass, polyextruded plastic or any other composite material or combination of materials. Wood materials may be used to enhance the overall look of the environment 100 and may be painted or stained per user preference. Further, the materials chosen may vary based upon the intended use of the environment 100. For example, a more permanent deployment of the environment 100 may use heavier and more ornate construction materials and may even built in to a room or house as a quasi-permanent fixture. Other deployments, such as a college dorm room or apartment, may utilize lightweight materials such as fiberglass or poly-extruded plastics. Custom materials, such as bronze or aluminum may also be used to enhance aesthetics. Further, the exterior of the enclosure 101 may be carpeted and/or painted to improve aesthetics. Further yet, the interior of the enclosure 101 may also be carpeted or coated with an acoustic dampening material suited to help contain audio within the gaming environment 100.

In this cutaway view of FIG. 1, particular focus is now directed to the interior features of the gaming environment 100. A user may recline in a seat 130 inside the enclosure 101. Common seat features may be included such as a seat 130 made from leather or cloth. Further, the seat 130 may be adjustable in several different manners. Common adjustments may be forward and backward adjustment, incline or decline, lumbar support inflation and deflation and rotate axis or orientation. Additional embodiments may include a swivel or rocking seat feature. The seat 130 may be heated and air-cooled. The seat 130 may include armrests that are adjustable and removable. The seat may include a rumble seat that may be coupled to an audio output of a gaming system such that the seat is physically moved or shaken when an audio event happens in the context of a game. The seat 130 may include footrests 135 that are adjustable. The seat 130 may have a massaging function or a vibration function. The seat 130 may also include head rests and other head padding suited to provide additional comfort to a user.

The user may be facing one or more viewing monitors 110 a and 110 b. If one monitor is used, the single monitor may have a width as large as the forward wall of the enclosure 101. Such a dimension may typically be 60 inches. Further, if two monitors are used, common personal computer monitors at 23.4 inches (diagonal screen measurement) may be used. If three or more monitors are used, other suitable monitor sizes may be deployed. Further, the gaming environment 100 may include a large primary monitor and a smaller secondary and/or tertiary monitor.

A wide range of audio features may be included in the gaming environment 100. The gaming environment 100 may include a center channel speaker 120 a mounted within or on the forward wall of the enclosure 101. Further, the gaming environment 100 may include a front-right speaker 120 b and a front left speaker 120 c mounted within or on appropriate wall locations. Further yet, the gaming environment 100 may include a rear-right speaker 120 d and a rear left speaker 120 e mounted within or on appropriate wall locations. With these five speakers, a typical surround sound audio system is realized when an additional subwoofer 121 is added in a suitable location, such as behind the seat 130 or within the seat as discussed above with regard to the rumble-seat feature. Thus, a 5.1 surround system is attained for use with games that can utilize a 5.1 surround system.

Additionally, another embodiment may include a right speaker 120 f and a left speaker (not shown because of the cutaway) that are positioned at the 90 degree orientation with respect to a user's head. These speakers may be used within the 5.1 surround system to form a 7.1 surround audio system or may be used individually as a stereo pair of audio speakers for games that only have a stereo audio feature.

The gaming environment 100 may also include a single mono speaker 122 for non-game use such as audio signals indicating a cell phone ring for a phone that may be paired (via Bluetooth or other wireless standard) with the gaming environment 100 or an audible indication that a person on the exterior wishes to gain the attention of the engaged user, e.g., a doorbell. Further, a headphone jack 123 may be included for using more comfortable with using a pair of headphones.

The gaming environment may include a number of accessories and amenities that are designed to enhance the experience of gameplay for a personal computing gaming environment, a console gaming environment, or both. The following several paragraphs discuss carious computing and console environment features.

In a first feature, a user may wish to have a controller or keyboard 139 mounted in front of the seated user in a manner best suited for the particular use. Thus, in one embodiment, a controller (shown as QWERTY keyboard 139) mount may include a platform or controller holder mounted on a swivel and/or swing arm mount 141. A seated user may adjust a platform position to be best suited for the user's needs. Some users may prefer the keyboard 139 higher, at mid-chest level while others may prefer lower, at the laptop level. Further, the keyboard mount 141 may be adjusted further left or right for particular user's choices. For example, a hybrid computer/console game may have a game controller for action scenes yet sill use a keyboard for additional control and game access. A user, in this embodiment, may adjust a keyboard to be easily reached off to the left while space right in front of the user remains free for a wireless game controller. Further, the mount 141 may be for different kinds of controllers, such as a flight stick, a steering wheel, a guitar, or a rifle or pistol controller. Ergonomic padding and arm rests may accompany the controller mount 141 as well. Other controls mounted are also contemplated such as musical keyboards, drum pads and drum controllers for music games, foot controls like gas and brake pedals for driving games, and dance pads.

In a second feature, a user may also wish to have an additional controller resting on a fixed platform. In one embodiment, a mouse platform 140 may be arranged near a user's right had in a natural seated position. Further, such a mouse platform 140 may include an ergonomic pad for wrist support as well as an ergonomic pad from upper arm and elbow support. Such a platform 140 need not be limited to the right side as left-hand mouse users may prefer the mouse platform on the left side. Further yet, the platform 140 may include a padded surface suitable for use with a rolling ball type mouse or a reflective surface suited for a laser-motion mouse. The mouse platform 140 may also be adjustable in an up/down direction and in a tilt forward/backward manner.

Another feature of the interior of the gaming environment 100 in a space for mounting a computer tower 142 or gaming console (only the computer tower 142 is shown for simplicity). The space is situated to be easily accessed by a seated user such that a game disc may be inserted or removed. Further, the space allotted for the computer 142 or console may have power outlets, audio jacks, USB ports, and gaming controller jacks easily accessed as well. Additionally, integrated with or situated near the space for the computer 142 or console may be additional mounting space for other personal devices, such as a personal music player or a mobile phone. Such additional space may include a mounting jack for communicative interface and/or power recharging. Further, an external audio input jack may be present such that music or video from any engaged personal mobile device may be used with the view screens and audio system of the gaming environment. In other embodiments, a mounted microphone or microphone jack is also present for games which may take advantage of user voice input.

The interior of the gaming environment 100 may also include additional comfort features. In one embodiment, the interior may be fully carpeted on the floor, roof, and all walls. Further, the floor may include additional carpet padding and/or gel-filled underlayment. Additional; power outlets and USB interfaces may be located in convenient places throughout the interior. Further, shelves and compartments for storing games, controllers, manuals and batteries may be conveniently located throughout the interior as well. Beverage holders including cooled and heated cup-holders may be disposed in various convenient spaces as well. Further, a small refrigerator and/or microwave may be placed in a convenient location within the interior as well. As with any place of comfort for humans, the ceiling of the gaming environment may be adorned with a licorice dispenser for immediate retrieval and consumption by a seated user.

In a final group of described interior features, various manners of providing light in focused areas may be present within the interior of the gaming environment. In one embodiment, a courtesy light 155 may be controllable linked to the door for ingress and egress. Thus, when the door is ajar, the courtesy light may be illuminated. Further, a user may have easy access to one or more reading lamps 156 suited to focus light toward a comfortable reading position. Further yet, ambience lighting (not shown) of various colors and levels may be present in a number of places within the interior. Various spotlights (not shown) may also be available for illuminating a keyboard controller or a user's face.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric diagram of a personalized gaming environment 100 without a cutaway to show exterior features of the gaming environment 100 according to an embodiment of the subject matter discussed herein. As was shown in FIG. 1, the gaming environment includes an enclosure 101 that defines an interior space (shown in detail in FIG. 1) from all exterior aspects both as part of and separate from the gaming environment 100. These exterior features are described in the next paragraphs.

The enclosure 101 may include walls that feature an insulation material (not shown as it is within the walls of the enclosure 101) suited to keep sound generated within the gaming environment in the gaming environment. Such sound proofing also keeps external sounds out of the interior of the gaming environment 100. Further, such insulation material helps maintain a desired temperature inside the gaming environment. The gaming environment may further include a controllable heater 220 have heating control and a controllable air conditioning unit 221 to allow for interior cooling control. Further, the combination of the heating unit 220 and air conditioning unit 221 may also provide forced air ventilation for recycling the air within the gaming environment on a regular basis. Depending upon other features within the gaming environment, the gaming enclosure may include a sunroof 203 that may be opened and closed by a seated user. Other windows may be present such a rear window 202. Further, one or more doors 201 may allow a user ingress and egress for the gaming environment 100. The doors and windows may all be lockable both from the interior and the exterior and may also include a power function for locking and unlocking such locks.

The gaming environment 100 also includes a number of different features that provide for greater functionality of the gaming environment 100, especially in small living quarters such as a dormitory room or apartment. Thus, the gaming enclosure 101 may support a mattress 204 for sleeping on top of the gaming environment 100. Additionally, the gaming environment 100 may include a ladder 205 for easier access to the mattress 204. Having a mattress 204 on top of the gaming environment 100 provides for a more economic use of space when space may be at a premium in any given area. Further space-saving features may include bookshelves 206 and or shoe-holders (shown as bookshelves 206). Further yet, the gaming enclosure 101 may be supported on its base by rubberized feet 207 to keep the entire gaming environment 100 from easily moving about on tile and wood surfaces. The feet may alternatively be lockable rolling wheels. Still further, the entire gaming environment 100 may be in the form of a towable trailer unit having a tongue for engaging a tow hitch on a vehicle as well as tires and brake and turn signal indicators for legal use on public streets should a user wish to easily transport the gaming environment form location to location.

The gaming environment 100 may also include various audio/video features for the exterior of the gaming environment 100. Thus, external speakers 240 and video screen 241 may exhibit the same audio and video as view screens and audio speakers within the gaming environment 100. This allows people outside of the gaming environment 100 to view and hear the game being played by a user inside the gaming environment 100. Further, such audio/video features may include external inputs and outputs for connecting external sources to operate with the screens and speakers of the interior as well as connect the game audio and video to external components such as additional external television screens and stereo or surround audio systems. Additional indicators may be present near the door 201. Such indicators may include an in-use light 211 to indicate that a user in inside the gaming environment. Further, the indicators may include a configurable timer 210 that may show the number of hours/minutes in which the gaming environment is in use. Such a use timer may indicate overall hours across all games, overall hours for specific games, overall hours since the latest gaming session has begun, or a countdown timer until the gaming environment disables game play. Further yet, the indicators may include a pushbutton 212 that may indicate to a user engaged in gameplay that a person outside the gaming environment 100 wishes to gain the user's attention. This may be akin to the doorbell feature discussed above.

Near the indicators may also be a keyed lock feature 213 for the overall gaming environment 100. Thus, an owner of the gaming environment 100 may have a physical key that must be engaged in order for any functionality to be used. Such a keyed lock 213 may also be a software based numeric keypad with a user code. Further, an external view camera 214 may be mounted near the indicators to show an engaged user on an internal view screen who may be standing just outside the gaming environment 100.

FIG. 3 shows block diagram of a computing system 300 and/or control features of a gaming environment 100 according to an embodiment of the subject matter discussed herein. The computing system may be a personal computer or gaming console as described previously. Alternatively, the computing system 300 may be a standalone controller within the gaming environment 100 suited to control several different features of the gaming environment 100. In either embodiment, control may be implemented over various features and amenities as discussed further below.

The computing system 300 may include a central processor coupled to a communication and control bus 310. The communication and control bus 310 may, in turn, be coupled to one or more components and modules for implementing functionality. As described in the context of the computing system 300, a skilled artisan understands that the blocks within this diagram may represent hardware or software components and typically may only be a program interface between the bus 310 and the actual devices and components to be controlled. Further, these interfaces may also be classified as interfaces and/or adapters that are associated with intrinsic features of the gaming system, such as audio and video generated by the gaming system and extrinsic features, such as ambient temperature and ambient lighting of the gaming environment 100.

In a first group of interfaces, the computing system 300 may include one or more video adapters. In this embodiment a first display 315, a second display 316, and a third display 317 is shown. These video adapters allow the computing system to control the images displayed on one or more of the interior video displays as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. Similarly, in a second group of interfaces, the computing system 300 may also include an audio control system 319 having a plurality of audio adapters. As shown in this embodiment, a 5.1/7.1 surround sound interface 320 is shown. Further, a headphone interface 321 is shown as well as a microphone interface 322. These audio interfaces allow the computer system 300 to send signals to and receive signals from various audio componentry as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In another group of interfaces, the computing system 300 may include an environmental control system 325 having one or environmental control adapters. In this embodiment, an ambient temperature controller 330 is shown. This allows the computer system to adjust air temperature within the gaming environment by heating (by using a heater as shown in FIG. 2) or cooling (by using an air conditioner as shown in FIG. 2). Further, the temperature of the seat itself may be controlled by a seat temperature controller 331. Thus, the seta may be heated or air-cooled as discussed above. Further yet, a circulation controller 332 may provide a way for the computer system 300 to circulate fresh air from the exterior of the gaming environment into the interior of the gaming environment.

In yet another group of interfaces, the computing system 300 may include alighting control system 335 having one or more lighting control adapters. In this embodiment, an ambient lighting controller 340 is shown for enabling the computer system 300 to adjust ambient light within the gaming environment. This may be accomplished through any number of lights mounted in the interior of the gaming environment. Further, the ambient lighting may be of different colors as well as changing colors and intensity. Further yet, the ambient lighting may also be linked to a game currently being played such that light flash to music being played or will match lighting conditions within the context of the game being played (e.g., daylight when the game features a daylight scene and little light if the game features a night time scene). Further yet, courtesy/door light interface 341 may be used to illuminate a light of the door opens or an individual that wishes to gain the attention of a user inside. Still further, an additional control lighting interface 342 may provide a way for the computer system 300 to illuminate other control light features such as a timer light when allotted game play time has expired or specific lighting for keyboards or controllers.

In yet another group of interfaces, the computing system 300 may include a power control system 355 having one or more power control adapters. In this embodiment, overall environment power 360 is shown for enabling the computer system 300 to control and maintain power within the gaming environment 100. This may be used when a user is using a majority of the features of the gaming environment, i.e., a user is playing a game. In another power feature, the system may include an accessory power controller 361 for providing power to a select set of components. This may be used if a user only wishes to engage the audio features of the gaming environment 100 to play music using a portable music player, for example. Further yet, the computer system 300 may include a power control feature for taking advantage of a battery backup coupled to the gaming environment. Such a battery controller 362 allows for the computer system 300 to utilize a battery backup system in case main power is lost during gameplay. This will allow a user enough time to complete a critical part of a game and save/backup the game in progress.

Other features of the computer system 300 include a control adapter 370 for an interior camera. This may allow external users to see the user when engaged in game play through an external view screen and it may be a feature for control by the overall computer environment 300. Similarly, the computer system 300 may include a control adapter 372 for an exterior camera. This may allow an engaged user to view outside of the gaming environment 100 to see others that may have gathered to watch an external screen or if people having a room where the gaming environment 100 is located.

The computer system 300 may include network adapters for connecting the gaming environment to a local-area network (LAN) or a wide-area network (WAN). Thus, a wired network adapter 374 may be coupled to a wired network through an RJ-45 connector via a CAT-5, CAT5e, CAT6, etc. cable. Additionally, the computer system 300 may include a wireless network adapter 376 for connecting to a wireless network using various IEEE and networking standards. Still further, additional adapters may be used (but are not shown) such as an IEEE-1394 (“Firewire”) adapter.

Still further modules that exhibit computer control features may be present. Thus, all appliances discussed above (beverage cooler, microwave, licorice dispenser) may also be communicatively coupled to the computer system. Such a control module 378 may provide a means by which a user may be alerted through the context of a game that the amount of licorice on the licorice dispenser is running dangerously low. Additional indictors, such as the indicators described above with respect to FIG. 2, may be communicatively and controllably coupled to the computer system via an indicator control module 380. Such a set of indicators may further include an intercom system for allowing an internal user to communicate with an external individual.

While the subject matter discussed herein is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the claims to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gaming environment, comprising: an enclosure configured to enclose a space; a seat disposed inside the enclosed space and configured to position a user to use a gaming system; and at least one control feature integrated with the gaming environment and configured to control at least one feature associated with the gaming system.
 2. The gaming environment of claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises one or more materials from the group including: wood, fiberglass, metal, polyextruded plastic, carpet, leather, insulation, sound-proofing material, and ceramics.
 3. The gaming environment of claim 1, wherein the enclosure further comprises a lockable door for ingress and egress.
 4. The gaming environment of claim 1, wherein the seat further comprises an adjustable seat configurable to adjust a feature from the group including, sitting height, sitting position, lean position, head rest position, arm rest position, seat heating, seat cooling, and foot rest position.
 5. The gaming environment of claim 1, wherein the control feature further comprises an audio control feature configurable to control an audio feature from the group including: a stereo pair of speakers, a 5.1 surround sound audio system, a 7.1 surround sound audio system, an external audio input, and external audio output, a microphone interface and a headphone interface.
 6. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising a heating unit and an air conditioning unit coupled to an environment control configured to control an internal temperature of the gaming environment.
 7. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising at least one light coupled to a lighting control configured to control an internal light of the gaming environment.
 8. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising a controller mount having an adjustable mounting member.
 9. The gaming environment of claim 8, wherein the controller comprises a QWERTY keyboard.
 10. The gaming environment of claim 8, wherein the controller comprises a pointing device and the controller mount further comprises an adjustable mouse platform.
 11. The gaming environment of claim 8, wherein the controller comprises a game console controller.
 12. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising one or more video displays mounted in a forward position with respect to a seated user.
 13. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising a feature selected from the group including: a mattress mounted on top of the enclosure, a tongue for towing the enclosure, a window disposed on a wall of the enclosure, a ladder mounted to a side of the enclosure, a bookcase, a shoe holder, and movement impeding feet.
 14. A computer system, comprising: a processor configured to control a gaming system; a control bus coupled to the processor; a first adapter coupled to the control bus and configured to allow the processor to control an intrinsic game feature of a gaming system; and a second adapter coupled to the control bus and configured to allow the processor to control an extrinsic feature with respect to the gaming system.
 15. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising a network adapter configured to communicatively couple the computer system to a network.
 16. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the gaming system comprising a console gaming system.
 17. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the intrinsic feature further comprises a feature from the group including: audio generated from the game; video generated from the game, tactile output generated from the game, audio control input generated from the user, and tactile control input generated from the user.
 18. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the extrinsic feature includes a feature from the group including: ambient temperature; ambient light, ambient air quality; an interior camera, and exterior camera, a gameplay timer; a user attention indicator; a beverage cooler; a microwave, a licorice dispenser; and an intercommunication system.
 19. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising a video controller coupled to the processor and configured to display video on a first display intrinsic to the gaming system and to display video extrinsic to the gaming system on a second display.
 20. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising an audio controller coupled to the processor and configured to play audio signals through an audio output for audio that is intrinsic to the gaming system and play audio signals on the first audio output for audio signals that are extrinsic to the gaming system. 